For most writers, the '80s are a tiem ripe for comedy: bad movies, worse clothes and the comedy gold that is '80s hairstyle.
But to Kirk Hiner, one of the authors of Spoon Millionaires, the play chosen for this year's Playfair competition, the real funny is found somewhere else.
"Rich white guys," Hiner said. "Most writers make fun of the music and the fashions and those god-awful 'Iron Eagle' movies, but I absolutely loved that stuff. What I hated were the rich white guys who got so much richer during the '80s, just like this decade, really. Forget the haircuts, it's the politics and avarice of the time that are worthy of parody, and that's from where we draw comedy."
Written by Hiner and fellow Ohio Northern University student Jim Jividen, Spoon Millionaires is a send-up of the nighttime soap operas that populated the television lineup throughout much of the 1980s. It is populated with constant jokes and references to pop culture then and now.
"We wanted to write a play just like 'Snakes on a Plane' without the snakes or the plane," Hiner said, showing off one of his more contemporary references. "What we got was a play that spoofs '80s prime-time soaps such as 'Dallas' and 'Falcon Crest.' No snakes, though. No plane. We at least go that much right."
The comedy was chosen by a pannel of judges from a variety of entries from around the region. Associate Producer George Dunster said it offered all the elements they look for in a play.
"Obviously, we need a piece that's highly entertaining. We also need a small cast and minimal staging," Dunster said.
The show will be staged cabaret-style, with the audience sharing the Crouse Performance Hall stage with the actors. Fridays will be dinner theater nights with a meal prepared by Civic Center Director Brian Keegan
